A wireless optical transceiver system which includes a passive optical antenna coupled by optical fiber to an active electronics module. The transceiver system receives and transmits light beams from / to the atmosphere,.and thereby communicates optically with a second optical transceiver. Receivers, transmitters, repeaters, switches, routers, etc., may be similarly organized, i.e. by coupling one or more passive optical antennas and an active electronics module with fiber-optic cable. Furthermore, various network toplogies and organizations may be arranged using one or more of the fiber-coupled transceivers, receivers, transmitters, repeaters, switches, routers, etc. Such components are admirably suited for use in various network configurations such as broadcast networks, point-to-multipoint networks, etc due to their low cost, ease of installation and antenna sighting, modularity, and upgradability. An optical router for establishing wireless channels to a number of subscribers may be configured based on demodulation and remodulation of light beams, or alternatively by redirecting light beams by adjustable deflections mirrors. A communications network infrastructure based on atmospheric light beam propagation is contemplated.